ERIC Number: EJ1454668
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 24
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0895-7347
EISSN: EISSN-1532-4818
Gender Differences and Similarities in High School Science Performance--What Do Item Response Patterns Tell Us?
Yiling Cheng; I-Chien Chen; Barbara Schneider; Mark Reckase; Joseph Krajcik
Applied Measurement in Education, v37 n4 p305-328 2024
The current study expands on previous research on gender differences and similarities in science test scores. Using three different approaches -- differential item functioning, differential distractor functioning, and decision tree analysis -- we examine a high school science assessment administered to 3,849 10th-12th graders, of whom 2,021 are girls. Our findings confirm no significant gender differences in overall science performance. However, we identify differences in the incorrect distractor responses between females and males, especially on items that require spatial thinking. This suggests that while males and females perform similarly on this science assessment, they may approach certain types of questions in different ways. Our study provides a nuanced investigation of gender differences and similarities in science performance. It highlights the importance of considering specific aspects of science assessments, such as spatial thinking, when examining performance patterns between males and females.
Descriptors: Gender Differences, Science Achievement, Responses, Testing, Student Evaluation, Scores, High School Students, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12, Spatial Ability, Thinking Skills, National Competency Tests, Error Patterns, Scientific Concepts
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: High Schools; Secondary Education; Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF), Office of International Science & Engineering (OISE)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: National Assessment of Educational Progress
Grant or Contract Numbers: 1545684